We're delighted to announce that I Love Blue Sea has joined Vital Choice. We share the same passion for health and vitality, and we offer you easy access to an even wider variety of premium seafood that is among the purest and most nutritious available. Please accept our offer of a 10% discount on your first order. Simply use code ILOVEVC at checkout. Welcome to the Vital Choice family.

Omega-3s and Human HealthFish—especially fatty fish like wild Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, and Sablefish—are the only abundant food sources of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA.

The results of countless studies indicate that these vital food factors promote optimal health. (The short-chain omega-3s in plant foods are not as beneficial as the omega-3s in seafood... to learn why, click here.)

The American Heart Association (AHA) says that the ways in which omega-3s reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease are still being studied, and that research shows that omega-3s have the following effects:

Decrease the risk of arrythmias, which can lead to sudden death

Decrease triglyceride (blood fat) levels

Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic (arterial) plaque

Lower blood pressure (slightly)

The AHA makes these recommendations:

People without documented coronary heart disease: Enjoy two servings of fish per week.

Excess intake of omega-6 fats can blunt the benefits of omega-3sThe health benefits of dietary omega-3s are blunted when diets are high in omega-6 fatty acids, because both kinds of fat comp0ete for absorption through the same metabolic pathway.

Omega-6 fatty acids predominate in the most comonly used vegetable oils (corn, safflower, soy, canola, cottonseed), the packaged and restaurant foods made with these oils, and livestock or farmed fish raised on feed that is naturally high in omega-6s (corn, soy, etc.).

The ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats in the American diet has risen drastically since the 1800's, due to changes in eating patterns, and is now 20 to one or higher, versus the nearly equal ratio (about two or three to one) typical of ancient humans and modern hunter-gatherer societies.

Recent research ties this "omega imbalance" to increased risk of cancer, dementia, and diabetes, and to autoimmune disorders.To see the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6 fatty acids in various foods, click here.

VITAMIN D—Wild salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and mackerel are the richest food sources of vitamin D, which possesses critical bone-building and anti-cancer properties. To see the vitamin D content of various fish species, click here. For more information on this overlooked nutrient, go to our news archive and search for "vitamin D."

SELENIUM—Almost all ocean fish (including the species we sell) are rich in selenium. This elemental mineral is an essential component of key enzymes critical to the body's internal antioxidant network (e.g., glutathione peroxidase). Selenium also binds to and substantially detoxifies the mercury in ocean fish, which is why children and adults from cultures that eat large amounts of seafood show no signs of mercury toxicity. (Fresh-water fish are generally not rich in selenium.)

But the preponderance of published research suggests very strongly that the well-documented developmental and preventive rewards of fish-rich diets outweigh the minuscule, hypothetical risks to adult, child, or fetal health.

Notable QuotesHere's what some experts say about the importance of diet and omega-3 fatty acids to your health:

“Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can stop arrhythmia before it triggers sudden death from heart attacks. That makes fish such as salmon as potentially potent as any high tech heart drug and considerably cheaper to stock up on.” –Dr. Alexander Leaf, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University

“Omega-3 fatty acids have so many biological roles because they are a primary element of health for virtually every cell and organ system in the body. Along with their partners, the omega-6 fatty acids, they keep our bodies in balance, modulating such basic physiological functions as inflammation, cell signaling, blood pressure, immune response, and the electrical excitability of heart and brain cells.” –Andrew Stoll, Faculty, Harvard Medical School

"By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in fish. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA, and maintaining high DHA levels can help deter depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's. Omega-3 is also very important for pregnant women and children, as researchers are now also linking inadequate intake of omega-3 to premature birth and low birth weight, and to hyperactivity in children." –Joseph Mercola, D.O., founder/director, The Optimal Wellness Center

“My anti-aging patients often start out eating fish two to three times a week. When they see how quickly their skin improves, they are quick to increase their intake to five to seven fish meals a week." –Nicholas Perricone, M.D., author ofThe Wrinkle Cure, The Perricone Prescription, The Acne Cure

Ask Dr. Weil A wonderfully rich website with advice, healthy recipes and answers to hundreds of health related questions from Dr. Andrew Weil, one of America’s most respected health and wellness experts.

Weil Foundation All proceeds from Dr. Weil’s website and newsletter go to support this non-profit organization which promotes optimal health and wellness through a holistic “integrative” approach.

Mertcola.com One of the world's most visited health sites. Founded, directed and edited by Dr. Joseph Mercola, an internationally renowned physician trained in both natural and conventional medicine and author of The No-Grain Diet. Mercola.com is known for its incredible depth of information on proper diet and nutrition for fighting and preventing disease, losing weight, and living longer.

DrNorthrup.com Christiane Northrup, M.D, is internationally known for her visionary, empowering approach to women's health and wellness. As a practicing physician for over 20 years, Dr. Northrup is a leading proponent of medicine and healing that acknowledges the unity of the mind and body, as well as the powerful role of the human spirit in creating health.

HealingWell.com A thriving community and information resource for patients, caregivers, and families coping with diseases, disorders and chronic illness. Intended to help people on their way to "healing well" by offering health resources and interactive tools that enable patient's to take control of their illness and start the healing process.

Intellihealth Aetna Insurance site with information from Harvard Medical School’s Information Service

www.health.gov A portal to the Web sites of a number of multi-agency health initiatives and activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal departments and agencies.

NOTE: The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes. Consult a health care professional in regard to the personal use of any health-related products, especially if you have any existing medical condition.